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The ‘Our Place’ Dilemma
Dietitians likely helped in recovery
Acts of kindness hold us together
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Brenda Wall of Bobcaygeon made it sound like the members of Save Pigeon Lake are upset about nothing. (Re: Letter Spotlight: November Advocate.) Well Brenda, if you saw the CBC documentary (Cottagers & Indians) you saw Larry Wood, founder of Save Pigeon Lake, who can only be described as a “true gentleman.” He exudes no hatred, anger or resentment, but just wants a fair and equal resolution. He has said from the very beginning that we don’t want rice growing to stop, we are looking for some guidelines such as sticking to a certain area so everyone can continue to enjoy the lake, as well as harvesting times. Brenda Wall, do you know Mr. Whetung uses a large diesel-powered mechanical harvester all hours of the day or night that is loud enough to be heard for miles? The CBC documentary then showed Whetung, who stated that he doesn’t care about the homeowners, and he is going to do what he wants, and his hope is to re-seed all of the area lakes. Inflammatory statements, Brenda? We attended a town hall meeting where we were told we are behaving like “Nazis.” We have been trying for years to develop “meaningful relationships” but just know that Curve Lake/First Nations are not interested. Susan Sladky, Ennismore
Basil called recently. He is a 35-year-old Bay Street “numbers guy” living in the impersonal and ruthless city of Toronto. I knew Basil when he was a boy growing up in a small, rural town in southwestern Ontario. His father was a tradesman with a range of handyman skills. Basil and his two brothers were encouraged to go to university for degrees that would allegedly lead to high-paying professional positions in big corporations. Today, Basil is disillusioned and disappointed. His career track in the financial district has proven to be less rewarding than he was led to believe as a teen. Basil called me to discuss his career, his challenges with work stress and to vent his frustration in being no closer to his early career and financial aspirations than when he was a new university graduate over a decade ago. The high cost of living and housing have also factored into those elusive dreams. Basil is at a crossroads and contemplating which way to turn. Local tradesmen have told me how difficult it is to find reliable, able-bodied workers. I suggested to Basi that he consider the simpler and less expensive life offered here. It’s a reasonable option since he is intelligent, resourceful, able-bodied and understands life in rural Ontario. Knowing that the lure of big-city corporate success has finally lost its lustre, I wondered if it is time for Basil to return to small-town living and pursue work in the trades as his father had. Basil hasn’t yet decided where to settle. Maybe the sentiments expressed in Roderick Benns’ recent column, “Our Sense of Place” (Nov. edition) will inspire Basil to join us here in the Kawartha Lakes. Gene Balfour, Fenelon Falls
AD O C V
Save Pigeon Lake member defends group’s position
Re: An International Journey and Incredible Recovery for Local Man (online Advocate, Oct. 19). I would guess that the registered dietitian played a large role in his recovery before and after he regained his swallowing ability. It was unfortunate that there is no mention of their contribution to his recovery. Dietitians are an extremely valuable members of any acute-care team and need to be given their fair share of the credit. Melinda Heidebrecht, Lindsay
We enjoyed reading Rev. Joel Holtz’s letter about all the great work that he and his congregation at Calvary Pentecostal Church have done for the community when the pandemic hit. This time last year we were getting ready to celebrate Valerie’s Blessing, the Christmas dinner the church established in the late Valerie Brunst’s name. Acts of kindness like the dinner will never be forgotten. They are what holds the community together in these hard times. Let’s continue to help our neighbours. Love and kindness will never grow old. Stay safe everyone. Mina Coons, Lindsay
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